Chapter 9
Jason's POV
I slowly exhale as I approach the location of where the best day of my short life took place. A part of me wants to break down and cry as I stand on this sacred location. This is where I met Batman. This is where I gained a father. This is where I became someone. I shiver from the cold and from the memories.
For years, I was raped, attacked, mugged, bloodied, scarred, and hurt by others in this location. I didn't trust anyone. I still don't. This is where I learned how truly dark and evil the world was… Is.
Twice I have lived in this world. Before Batman found me and after he lost me. This is my section of town. I choose to live here, because I know how dark, cruel, twisted, and evil the residents of this section are.
Arresting the animals and putting them back in prison, only to have them escape again is pointless. There is no justice inside of the law. That's why I choose to live outside of it. I take the law into my hands. I choose who I am and no one will tell me otherwise. No one. We protect the innocent. The only way to protect those who cannot protect themselves is to make sure no one can ever hurt them again. I have to choose who lives and who dies.
Suddenly, a skull steps from the shadows and moves towards me. "You're running out of time. You have less than six hours left before the game ends." The mask taunts while removing a syringe.
"That's too bad. I was having so much fun." I reply sarcastically.
He comes closer to me and replies, "Well, you're about to have a lot more fun."
I meet him halfway. "Yeah, well the kid had better be okay." I growl.
"I'm not sure if he'll last that long."
"He'd better. I will kill all of you. Slowly and painfully." I threaten, while rolling my jacket up.
The man's eyes dance with laughter from behind the mask. "He did it to himself. He refused to come quietly. It will be his own fault if he bleeds out before… if you get there in time. Now, are you ready?" he questions while holding the syringe towards my outstretched arm.
"Do I have another choice?" I growl.
Tim's POV
I don't feel so good. I feel cold, exhausted, and nauseous. The bleeding has been repressed but it hasn't stopped completely. I close my eyes. Jason, please hurry.
"Tsk, tsk. You're dripping blood onto my clean floor."
I open my eyes to find the black and scarlet skull looming over me. His hand moves towards my side and he pulls my hoodie and sweater back. The two pads taped to my side are overflowing with blood. He pulls the towels from my side and clicks his tongue as a steady stream of crimson flows freely. Our waitress moves into the room and comes to stand beside him.
"I don't think the kid's going to last." She replied, leaning over her master.
"I need him alive. Stop the bleeding. After all, you were a doctor." He replies, as another skull enters.
"Master, he is at the third checkpoint."
"Excellent." The leader replied, while following his servant out.
The waitress retrieved a needle and thread. "Don't worry. This is going to hurt you a lot more than it's going to hurt me." she said ominously.